Billionaire New York Democratic campaign financier George Soross interest topped $1.7 million in Central Florida politics and $1.8 million statewide this year as he financed independent campaigns that helped four Democrats win local or state legislative races while two others he backed lost.

In the cases of Ayala, Bonilla, Valentin and Asencio, Soros's political action committees appear to have spent more money on their candidacies than the candidates' official campaigns could do. George Soros was the sole contributor to both PACS, according to Florida Division of Elections records.

Soros' biggest investment came early, backing Aramis Ayala to the tune of $1.38 million in TV commercials and mailers provided by his Florida Safety & Justice political action committee to fuel her winning long-shot bid upsetting incumbent State Attorney Jeff Ashton in Florida's 9th Judicial Circuit in August. Ashton was overwhelmed by the campaign, most of it attack ads, and lost.

In October a second PAC, United For Progress weighed in on four other Central Florida races and a Miami race. The PAC financed mailers, polling and other services backing Vic Torres in Senate District 15, Emily Bonilla in Orange County Board of Commissioners District 5, Benny Valentin in Florida House District 42, and Beth Tuura in Florida House District 47.